An Introduction to Substance Use Disorders for Dental Professionals
Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

• Differentiate between a social user, substance abuser and addict.
• Describe four stages of substance abuse.
• Explain the differences between physical and psychological dependence.
• Identify the various sources of nicotine.
• Identify the addiction process for alcohol, prescription medication and illegal drugs.
• Recognize various oral conditions that may be present with chronic nicotine, alcohol, prescription medication and/or illegal drug use.
• Identify commonly abused prescription and illegal drugs.
• Identify various clinician/patient communication strategies for various addictions.
• Use resources to support patients who are interested in cessation.